Hertz Car Hire
Manitoba

The car hire counters at Winnipeg's YWG airport are conveniently located directly in the main terminal building, making for a simple indoor walk after you collect your luggage. You will not need to take a shuttle or go outside, which is especially helpful for late-night arrivals or during cold weather. Simply follow the prominent overhead signs for "Car Hire" from the baggage claim area. The entire process is designed to be efficient, getting you from the baggage carousel to the service desk in just a few minutes.

During peak summer travel, it's wise to budget around 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you're driving away. This accounts for potential deplaning delays, walking through the terminal, and waiting for your luggage at the carousel. The hire car counters can also be busier during these times, so factoring in a queue is a good idea. Planning for this buffer ensures you won't feel rushed as you begin your Manitoba journey.

Leaving the YWG airport area is quite straightforward as the exit roads are well-marked. You will primarily use Wellington Avenue to connect to major city arteries like Route 90 (King Edward Street/Century Street). For downtown Winnipeg, your navigation will likely guide you onto Portage Avenue, one of the city's main east–west corridors. Pay close attention to posted speed limits, which can change as you transition from airport roads to city streets.

For a good balance of amenities and easier parking, consider neighbourhoods like Osborne Village or the periphery of the Exchange District. While the core of these areas can be busy, staying slightly outside the main commercial strips often provides better access to on-street or lot parking. Another excellent option is the Corydon Avenue area, known for its restaurant scene and more residential-style parking availability. These locations offer a great visitor experience while keeping driving and parking relatively low-stress.

The key to safe winter driving in Manitoba is to adjust your habits for the conditions, especially if you're new to ice and snow. Always reduce your speed significantly and leave much more space than usual between your vehicle and the one ahead. Avoid any sudden manoeuvres; gentle acceleration, smooth braking, and gradual turns are essential to maintain traction. Before setting out, always check local road condition reports and give yourself extra time to reach your destination without rushing.

Winnipeg streets become most treacherous during temperature swings, particularly when temperatures hover around the freezing mark (0°C or 32°F). This is when melting snow can refreeze into black ice, which is difficult to see. While roads are also slippery during and immediately after a snowfall, the freeze–thaw cycle creates the most unpredictable conditions. Overnight, as temperatures drop, any moisture on the roads will almost certainly turn to ice, requiring extreme caution for early morning drives.

Before driving away from the hire lot during a cold snap, it's good practice to ensure the vehicle's heater and demister are working effectively. Check that the windscreen washer fluid is functional, as clear visibility is crucial when roads are treated with salt or grit. It's also wise to do a quick visual check of the tyres to ensure they appear properly inflated, as cold air can cause tyre pressure to drop. Taking a moment for these checks provides peace of mind before you head out into the Manitoba cold.

During a winter storm, the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) between Winnipeg and Brandon can experience rapidly changing conditions. The stretch across the open prairie is highly susceptible to blowing and drifting snow, which can severely reduce visibility and create snowdrifts on the road surface. While road crews are active, conditions can deteriorate quickly, sometimes leading to closures. It's essential to consult the Manitoba 511 highway information service for real-time updates before and during your drive.

Before heading to Riding Mountain National Park, it's crucial to plan for a more remote driving experience. Ensure you have a full tank of fuel before leaving the city, as service stations become less frequent the further you travel. It's also a great idea to download offline maps for the region, as mobile service can be spotty in certain areas along the route and within the park. Finally, pack some snacks and water for the journey, as convenient stops are limited once you are north of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Driving to Riding Mountain at dusk requires heightened awareness due to increased wildlife activity and decreasing visibility. Deer are particularly active during these hours and are often seen near the roadside, especially as you get closer to the park's forested areas. Use your full beam when appropriate on unlit highways but be prepared to dip them for oncoming traffic. Reducing your speed and actively scanning the verges and road ahead is the best strategy for a safe journey during twilight hours.

A popular and convenient stopping point on the drive from Winnipeg to Wasagaming is the town of Neepawa, located right on Highway 16. It offers several petrol stations, fast-food restaurants, and cafés, making it an ideal place for a break without venturing far off your route. Another option is Minnedosa, just a short drive off the highway, which has a charming town centre with local eateries. These towns provide a perfect opportunity to refuel both your vehicle and yourself about two-thirds of the way into your journey.

Travellers typically use a hire car to explore Winnipeg and southern Manitoba before heading to Churchill, as there are no roads connecting the two regions. The common approach is to drive back to Winnipeg and drop off the hire car at the airport (YWG) before catching a flight to Churchill. Alternatively, you can return the car at the VIA Rail station in Winnipeg to board the train for the scenic two-day journey north. This allows you to enjoy the flexibility of a car for the southern part of your trip and then use appropriate transport for the remote northern leg.

Absolutely — planning a trip that combines Winnipeg with a drive into North Dakota is a popular option. The drive to the border is straightforward and offers a great way to experience more of the prairie landscape. Regarding documentation for crossing an international border, requirements can vary based on your citizenship and current regulations. It is always best to consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency websites for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

First-time visitors to Winnipeg should be mindful of the one-way streets downtown, which can be confusing if you're not anticipating them. Another point of attention is the city's roundabouts, such as the one at Wellington Crescent, which require yielding to traffic already circulating. When turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, remember to turn into the furthest left lane. Staying alert and allowing extra time for navigation in the city centre can help you avoid these common errors.

Parking at The Forks can be challenging during peak times like summer weekends and major festivals. While there are several large surface lots and a multi-storey car park available, they often fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day is your best strategy for securing a spot close to the main attractions. Be prepared for event-based pricing and consider using one of the lots slightly further away and enjoying a short walk. Checking The Forks' official website for parking updates before you go is also a wise move.

For a visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the most direct approach is to drive towards The Forks, as the museum is located right at the site. Follow the signs for The Forks and the museum, which will guide you to several large surface car parks in the immediate vicinity. There is also underground parking available nearby, which can be a good option during inclement weather. Arriving early, especially on a weekend, will give you the best choice of available spots and make for a stress-free start to your visit.

Assiniboine Park offers extensive free parking, making it very convenient for visitors with a hire car. To avoid searching for a spot, it's best to decide which area you want to visit first—the Zoo or the English Garden and Conservatory—and head directly to the large lot nearest that entrance. The lots are well-signed from the main park roads like Corydon Avenue and Shaftesbury Boulevard. Even on busy days, you can usually find a spot with just a bit of patience, and once parked, the entire park is easily walkable.

To make the most of a day trip to Gimli and avoid traffic, plan to leave Winnipeg by 9:00 am, especially on a summer weekend. This allows you to get ahead of the main wave of beachgoers that typically departs mid-morning. Arriving in Gimli before 10:30 am gives you a much better chance of finding prime parking near the waterfront and main attractions. An early start ensures a more relaxed drive up Highway 8 or 9 and a less stressful beginning to your lakeside experience.

A great route for a Lake Winnipeg beach day is to first drive directly to Gimli via Highway 8 to enjoy the town's harbour and shops in the morning. After spending some time there, you can then drive a short distance north to explore beaches like Silver Harbour or south to Winnipeg Beach. This creates a logical loop, allowing you to experience both the cultural hub of Gimli and the sandy shores of other lakeside communities. For your return to Winnipeg, taking Highway 9 from Winnipeg Beach offers a scenic alternative to your initial route.

Staying near Polo Park offers excellent convenience for airport access, with the drive to YWG typically taking only 5 to 10 minutes. Driving to downtown attractions like The Forks or the Exchange District will usually take about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. The area is centrally located with good access to major routes like Portage Avenue. However, be aware that traffic around the Polo Park shopping centre itself can be heavy, especially on weekends and during the evening rush hour.

To refuel your hire car before returning it to YWG, look for the numerous petrol stations along major routes like Wellington Avenue or Sargent Avenue, just west of the airport. These locations provide very easy access back to the airport entrance without forcing you to navigate complex city traffic. Filling up a few kilometres away from the terminal allows you to avoid the immediate airport loop until you are actually ready for the drop-off. This simple strategy helps ensure a smooth and stress-free return process.

For a stress-free early morning return at YWG, the best plan is to have your luggage packed and ready before you leave your hotel. Drive directly to the hire car return area, which is clearly marked as you approach the terminal car park. Follow the signs for your specific hire company. After dropping off the vehicle and keys, it's a very short, indoor walk from the car park to the airline check-in counters. This streamlined process minimises your time outdoors and ensures you get to your gate without any unnecessary delays.

The drive from downtown Winnipeg to YWG airport is typically quick, taking about 20–25 minutes during off-peak hours. During weekday morning rush hour (7:30–9:00 am) and the afternoon rush (3:30–5:30 pm), you should allow for extra time, with the trip potentially taking 35–45 minutes. Traffic can be particularly heavy on Portage Avenue and near the Polo Park area. Always budget a little extra time to be safe, especially if your flight is during these peak periods.

When travelling with bulky equipment like hockey gear or skis, vehicle size and cargo capacity are your primary considerations. An SUV or a people carrier is often the best choice, providing ample space without needing to fold down passenger seats. Check for features like a large boot or fold-flat seating to ensure everything will fit comfortably. This is especially important for winter trips where you'll also have heavy coats and boots, so selecting a vehicle with generous interior room will make your travels much more comfortable.

To avoid backtracking on a Manitoba road trip, plan your route as a loop starting and ending in Winnipeg. For example, you could drive west to Brandon and Riding Mountain National Park, then loop north and east through the Interlake region to see Lake Manitoba and Gimli before returning south to the city. Alternatively, a trip east to the Whiteshell Provincial Park can be combined with a southern route along the U.S. border. Using a map to plot your key destinations will help you visualise the most efficient circular path.

Mobile service is generally reliable along the Trans-Canada Highway and in the areas immediately surrounding Winnipeg and other larger towns like Brandon. However, once you venture into more remote areas like provincial parks or the northern Interlake region, service can become intermittent or non-existent. It is highly recommended to download offline maps of your planned route and destination areas before you leave the city. This ensures you can navigate confidently even without a consistent data connection.

When driving in Manitoba, remember that all speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour. A common highway speed limit is 100 or 110 km/h, which is approximately 62–68 mph. Speed enforcement is active on major highways, so it's important to adhere to the posted limits. As a general norm, drivers tend to stay in the right-hand lane except to pass, and it's courteous to move over for vehicles merging onto the highway.

The interchange at Kenaston Boulevard (Route 90) and the Perimeter Highway can be confusing for first-time drivers due to its multiple lanes and exits. Similarly, navigating the one-way streets in the downtown Exchange District requires careful attention to signage. The best way to prepare is to review your route on a map application before you start driving. Using a sat-nav with voice navigation can also be extremely helpful in providing lane guidance and advance notice for complex turns.

The drive from Winnipeg to Kenora, Ontario, is a beautiful trip on the Trans-Canada Highway. As you cross the provincial border, the landscape changes from prairie to the rugged Canadian Shield, meaning the road becomes more winding with more rock cuts and hills. Be aware that the speed limit may change as you enter Ontario. This scenic route is well-maintained, but it's wise to be extra cautious in winter, as the hilly terrain can have more isolated icy patches.

For a successful day trip to the Whiteshell, an early start from Winnipeg is essential, aiming to be on the road by 8:00 am. This gives you ample time for the 1.5 to 2-hour drive and a full day of exploring. Focus your itinerary on a specific area, such as the Falcon Lake or West Hawk Lake region, to minimise driving within the park. This allows you to enjoy a short hike, like the Top of the World trail, and relax at a beach without feeling rushed before heading back to the city in the late afternoon.

To beat the crowds at Grand Beach on a hot summer weekend, your best strategy is to arrive early. Plan to get to the park entrance gate before 10:00 am, as this is when the lines of cars start to build up significantly. Arriving early not only saves you time waiting to get in but also gives you the best choice of parking spots close to the main beach and boardwalk. Alternatively, consider visiting later in the afternoon, after 3:00 pm, when some of the early crowds may have started to leave.

When visiting Manitoba's natural areas in the summer, being prepared for insects is key to a comfortable trip. It's a good idea to pack insect repellent and keep it handy in the car for any spontaneous stops for photos or short walks. Midges and mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so you may want to limit your time outside the vehicle during these periods. Keeping the car windows closed while driving through forested or marshy areas will also help ensure a bug-free journey.

After a long flight, a great low-stress plan is to head to your accommodation first to settle in. Once you're ready, a short drive to a relaxed destination like Assiniboine Park is ideal. The park offers wide-open spaces for children to run around, a nature playground, and the option for a casual walk through the English Garden. This keeps driving to a minimum while providing an easy and enjoyable activity that doesn't require a strict schedule, making it perfect for shaking off travel fatigue.

For a convenient supply stop after leaving YWG, head to the commercial area along Sargent Avenue or Ellice Avenue, just a few minutes' drive from the airport. You'll find several major supermarkets, pharmacies, and big-box retailers in this area. These locations are easy to access before you get onto major highways or head deep into residential neighbourhoods. This allows you to stock up on essentials for your trip without a significant detour from your primary route.

Summer is peak construction season in Winnipeg, which can lead to lane reductions and road closures on major routes. This can significantly impact travel times, especially during rush hour. To avoid surprises, it's highly advisable to check a real-time traffic app like Google Maps or Waze before you start your drive. These applications will have the most current information on construction and can automatically reroute you around delays, saving you time and frustration.

When driving to a rural event, rely on satellite navigation but also have a general sense of your route, as mobile coverage can be unreliable. Rural highways are often unlit, so late-night driving requires extra caution; reduce your speed and use your full beam when possible. Be particularly watchful for wildlife, such as deer, which are more active after dark. Signage for specific venues or farms may be small, so getting clear, detailed directions from your host beforehand is always a good idea.

Driving on Manitoba's gravel roads requires a change in technique from paved roads. It's important to reduce your speed to maintain control and avoid kicking up stones that could damage the vehicle. Increase your following distance from other cars to minimise dust and the risk of flying stones. After rain, these roads can become soft or slippery, so extra caution is needed. Always drive at a speed that feels safe and comfortable for the specific road conditions you encounter.

For a comfortable drive to Brandon, leaving Winnipeg mid-morning after the rush hour is ideal. The two-hour drive is straightforward, but a short break at the halfway point can make it more pleasant. Consider a quick stop in a town like Portage la Prairie, which is right on the Trans-Canada Highway, for a coffee or to stretch your legs. This brief pause doesn't add much time to your journey but helps break up the drive, ensuring you arrive in Brandon feeling refreshed.

For a spectacular and manageable autumn colours day trip, the drive to Pinawa Dam Provincial Park in the Whiteshell region is an excellent choice. The route takes you through areas with beautiful foliage, and the park itself is stunning in autumn. Another great option is a drive through the Pembina Valley, south‑west of Winnipeg, particularly around Morden and the Pembina Valley Provincial Park. Both destinations offer gorgeous scenery and are within a two‑hour drive, making for a perfect, non-exhausting day of leaf-peeping.

The most efficient strategy is for the person arriving first to handle the vehicle pickup. They can complete the paperwork and collect the car while the others are still in the air or collecting their luggage. Once the car is ready, the driver can easily circle back to the arrivals curb to pick up the rest of the group. This approach avoids having everyone wait at the hire counter and streamlines the process of getting your group on the road together.